Pet carrying backpack

ABSTRACT

A pet carrying backpack is provided and includes a backpack body having a bottom panel, a front panel, a rear panel, a right-side panel, and a left-side panel that collectively form an interior compartment. The backpack body also has a top portion with a collar that forms an opening through which a head of an animal disposed within the interior may protrude. The collar may be stretchable. Paw holes are disposed on a front of the backpack body which accommodate paws or legs of the animal. Shoulder straps are disposed on and extend from the front panel. A pet carrying platform is disposed on or within the bottom panel. The pet carrying platform includes a frame member and a pad member.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/821,539 filed on Nov. 22, 2017, which claimspriority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.62/426,137 which was filed on Nov. 23, 2016 and to U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 62/427,688 which was filed on Nov. 29, 2016, thecontents each of which is incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Many people enjoy keeping pets for the companionship, help, and/orfriendship that they provide. Pets, of course, require substantial timeand care from their owners to ensure that they are well cared for.Sometimes, pet owners would like to travel, hike, or participate otheractivities which their pets are not capable of due to the pet's size,age, or various health issues. Many pet owners also prefer not to leavetheir pets in the care of friends or commercial pet care facilitieswhile participating in such activities. Accordingly, such pet owners areneed of a solution that allows them to participate in activities theyfind enjoyable while being able to bring along their pet companions thatmay not otherwise be capable of joining with them.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, a pet carrying backpack is provided that satisfies the needfor pet owners to bring their pets with them on various activities.According to one aspect of the disclosed embodiments, a pet carryingbackpack includes a backpack body having a bottom panel, a front panel,a rear panel, a right-side panel, and a left-side panel thatcollectively form an interior compartment. The backpack body also has atop portion with a collar that forms an opening through which a head ofan animal disposed within the interior may protrude. The collar may bestretchable. Paw holes are disposed on a front of the backpack bodywhich accommodate paws or legs of the animal. Shoulder straps aredisposed on and extend from the front panel. A pet carrying platform isdisposed on or within the bottom panel. The pet carrying platformincludes a frame member and a pad member.

In some embodiments, the pet carrying backpack also includes contouringstraps that are configured to shape the interior compartment of thebackpack. The contouring straps may be disposed on at least one of theback panel and the side panel. The pet carrying backpack may furtherhave a vertical zipper disposed in the back panel. The zipperfacilitates ingress and egress to and from the interior compartment. Oneof the contouring straps may be disposed to cross the vertical zipper.

The right-side panel and the left-side panel may comprise vents tofacilitate airflow within the interior compartment. In some embodiments,the vents may comprise a webbed material. The vents may extend from thetop portion to the bottom panel.

In further embodiments, the pet carrying backpack collar includes anadjustable strap. The top portion of the backpack may comprise astretchable portion above the left-side panel and the right-side panel.

In some instances, the pet carrying platform is adjustable to raise andlower to effectively change the size of the interior. At least twozippers may release extra material when unzipped to lower the petcarrying platform. The at least two zippers extend around the backpackbody. The pet carrying backpack may also have a lower compartmentdisposed below the backpack body. The lower compartment may be spacedfrom the backpack body to accommodate the lowering of the pet carryingplatform via the at least two zippers.

In other exemplary embodiments, a pet carrying backpack includes abackpack body defining an interior, shoulder straps connected to thebackpack body, and an adjustable pet platform that raises and lowers toeffectively change the size of the interior. The pet carrying backpackmay use at least two zippers that release extra material when unzippedto lower the pet carrying platform. The at least two zippers extendaround the backpack body.

The pet carrying backpack may also have a lower compartment disposedbelow the backpack body. The lower compartment may be spaced from thebackpack body to accommodate the lowering of the pet carrying platformvia the at least two zippers.

The backpack body may include a bottom panel, a front panel, a rearpanel, a right-side panel, and a left-side panel that collectively forman interior compartment. The backpack body also has a top portion with acollar forming an opening which allows a head of an animal disposedwithin the interior to protrude. The collar may be stretchable. Pawholes are disposed on a front of the backpack body and are configured toaccommodate paws or legs of the animal.

In some embodiments, the pet carrying backpack has waist straps attachedto the backpack body that are configured to extend around a user'swaist. It may also include a vertical zipper extending along a rear sideof the backpack body, the vertical zipper facilitating ingress andegress to and from the interior.

In some embodiments, the pet carrying backpack also has vents disposedin side portions of the backpack body. The vents may be formed from awebbed material. The pet carrying backpack may have pockets that atleast partially overlap the vents. The pockets may be at least partiallyformed from a mesh material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a front view pet carrying backpack according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the pet carrying backpack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a right-side view of the pet carrying backpack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 shows a left-side view of the pet carrying backpack of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 shows a back view of the pet carrying backpack of FIG. 1

FIG. 6 shows a back view of the pet carrying backpack of FIG. 1 with theback of the backpack opened.

FIG. 7 shows a back view of the pet carrying backpack of FIG. 1 with theback of the backpack opened and a pet platform in a raised position.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, and 8C show a clip and waist straps for a pet carryingbackpack according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows a back view of a pet carrying backpack with a rain hood,according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 shows a front view of the pet carrying backpack of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 shows a magnified view of a lifting mechanism for a petplatform, according to one exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B show a pet carrying backpack with an adjustablepet platform, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows a front view of an upper portion of the pet carryingbackpack of FIGS. 12A and 12B, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 shows a back view of an upper portion of the pet carryingbackpack of FIGS. 12A and 12B, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 shows a pet carrying backpack with a clip-on bag, according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 shows a side view of the pet carrying backpack of FIG. 15,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a front view of the pet carrying backpack of FIG. 15,according to one exemplary embodiment.

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.In the figures, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the different views.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a front view pet carrying backpack according to oneembodiment. In FIG. 1, a pet carrying backpack 10 is comprised generallyof a backpack body 100 formed to carry items therein. The backpack body100 comprises a front panel 102, a back panel 103, side panels 105, 107,and a top portion 104. The panels 102, 103, 105, 107 and top portion 104of the backpack body 100 may be formed separately and may be attached toone another during the manufacturing process, such as by sewing, byadhesives, or by fabric welding. In other embodiments, one or more ofthe panels 102, 103, 105, 107 and/or top portion 104 of the backpackbody 100 may be formed as a single piece. The backpack body 100 may beformed of any suitable material including natural or synthetic materialsas now known or later developed. In some embodiments, the backpack body100 may include a plastic frame, a metal frame, or a combinationthereof, while in other embodiments the backpack body 100 is a framelessbody. The frame may be an internal or an external frame.

Shoulder straps 108 may be connected to the front panel 102. These maybe fastened to the front panel 102 in any suitable manner as known inthe art. The shoulder straps 108 may comprise padded material such asfoam to provide comfort to the user. In some instances, the straps 108may include ventilation, such as via holes in the padding and a meshouter covering. The shoulder straps 108 may optionally be adjustable ata top end thereof. For example, upper cinch straps 110 may be providedat a top end to adjust the fit of the shoulder straps 108. The shoulderstraps 108 may further comprise a plastic loop 111 to which variousitems may be attached as needed by a user. In other embodiments, afabric loop may be provided instead of the plastic loop 111. Forexample, a stretchable material may extend from one side of a strap 108to the other to facilitate attachment of items to the straps 108. Thestraps 108 may also comprise a sternum strap 114 that includes heightadjustment cinches 112. The sternum strap 114 also comprises clips 116to selectively fasten the sternum strap 114. In other embodiments, othermechanism may be used for height adjustment of the sternum strap 114,such as framed cam surface that extends along the front of the strap andalong which a cam follower clip may move.

Shoulder straps 108 may further comprise lower cinch straps 118 withcinches 120 to adjust the strap 108 at a lower end thereof. In someembodiments, the upper cinch straps 110 and the lower cinch straps 118may comprise a single strap that extends along the entire shoulder strap108 and is connected to the shoulder strap 108 at various points. Inother embodiments, the upper cinch straps 110 are omitted and only thelower cinch straps 118 are provided.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the pet carrying backpack of FIG. 1.As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, several raised padded support members 134 maybe included on the front panel 102. The raised support members 134provide comfort to the user both via the padding in the members 134 andthe air flow created by spacing the front panel 102 from the back of theuser while in use.

FIG. 3 shows a right-side view of the pet carrying backpack of FIG. 1,and FIG. 4 shows a left side view. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the rightand left side panels 105, 107 include a zipper 135 that provides accessto a vent 136. The vent 136 may be formed from a mesh material andallows ventilation into the interior of the backpack 10. In someembodiments, the side panels 105, 107 may be formed primarily of themesh material and the zipper 135 may be omitted.

FIGS. 5-7 show a back view of the pet carrying backpack of FIG. 1. Asshown in FIG. 5, the back panel 103 comprises a zipper 138. In FIG. 6,the zipper 138 is in an open position to provide access to the interior140 of the backpack 10. Within the interior 140, there may be storagecompartments 142 attached to one of the panels 102, 103, 105, 107.

The backpack 10 further comprises a pet platform 144 disposed within theinterior 140. The pet platform 144 is a sturdy, padded member that isconfigured to allow a pet, such as a dog or cat, to sit or stand insidethe interior 140 of the backpack. For example, the pet platform 144 maycomprises a pad formed from a foam material, and a plastic frame membersupporting the pad and providing rigidity to the platform 144. As shownin FIG. 7, the pet platform 144 is configured to raise and lower withinthe interior 140. In FIG. 7, the platform 144 is in a raised position ascompared to the position of the platform 144 shown in FIG. 6. Thus, theplatform 144 is configured to move relative to the panels 102, 103, 105,107. This effectively increases and decreases the size of the interior140 of the backpack to easily accommodate differently sized pets.

When the pet is placed on the platform 144 within the interior 140 ofthe backpack 10, the zipper 138 may then be reclosed so that the pet issecurely retained within the interior 140. The upper portion 104 isconfigured to surround the neck or upper body of the pet, so that thehead or upper body of the pet extends therethrough. The upper portion104 includes paw holes 148 to allow the pet's paws to extend out fronttowards the pet's owner (FIGS. 1 and 2). This may further provide thepet with a sense of security while being carried in the backpack 10.

The pet platform 144 may be raised and lowered within the interior 140of the backpack by way of straps 150 (FIGS. 1-4). The straps 150 maywrap around the bottom of the platform 150 to provide a stable supportfor the platform 144 (see FIG. 11). As shown in FIGS. 2-4 for example,the straps 150 extend through openings 152 in side panels 105, 107. Theuser may raise the platform 144 by pulling the straps 150 through theopenings 152. The platform 144 may be locked into position by way of astrap locking mechanism 151. In some embodiments, the platform 144 mayinclude a mesh extending up from the platform 144 within the interior140 to prevent the pet's legs from slipping between the inside of thepanels 102, 103, 105, 107 and the platform 144 when the platform 144 israised up away from the bottom 106 of the backpack 10. Other mechanismsfor raising and lowering a platform within the backpack 10 may also beused.

The top portion 104 may include features to secure the pet snugly andcomfortably with the backpack 10. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, astretchable band 153 may be incorporated at the top 104 of the backpack10 which is adjustable by a strap 154 as shown in FIG. 5. Strap 154 mayinclude an elastic portion within the top portion 146 to form thestretchable band 153. The strap 154 may be secured and adjusted by thestrap clip 156. Side adjustment straps 158 and cinches 160 may alsocontour the top portion 146 to secure the pet within the interior 140.

FIG. 8A shows a clip for a pet carrying backpack according to oneembodiment. One or more of the clips 116 for the sternum strap 114 maycomprise a whistle 162 built into the side of the clip. The whistle 162may be incorporated for safety reasons or to provide signals to the petwhen the pet is not being carried in the backpack 10.

FIG. 8B and FIG. 8C show waist straps for a pet carrying backpack. Thebackpack 10 further comprises waist straps 122. The waist straps 122 maybe comprised of a padded support member 123 and a strap member 124 (FIG.7). The waist straps 122 are selectively connected about the user'swaist via clips 126 (FIG. 7). The padded support member 123 of the waiststraps 122 may comprise a zipper providing access to a pocket 132. Whenworn about the user's waist, the pocket 132 may provide easy access tosmaller, personal items such as keys or a cell phone.

FIGS. 9 and 10 show a pet carrying backpack with a rain hood, accordingto one exemplary embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, the backpack 10 mayinclude a rain hood 168. The backpack body 100 may comprise one or moresnaps 164 (FIG. 5), for example on the back panel 103 of the backpack10. The snaps 164 may correspond to snaps 166 of the hood 168. The hood168 may thus be fastened to the top 104 of the backpack 10 to providerain protection to the pet.

The hood 168 may be adjusted to stay in place over the pet's head by anelastic cord 170 that extends through a front side of the 174 of thehood 168. The elastic cord 170 is adjusted by way of the lockingmechanisms 172. In some embodiments, the hood 168 may have a designatedcompartment within the backpack 10 for storage when not in use. In otherembodiments, the hood 168 may be stored underneath the pet platform 144.

FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B show a pet carrying backpack with an adjustablepet platform, according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 12A shows a petcarrying backpack 20. The pet carrying backpack 20 shares many similarfeatures as the backpack 10 described above, so a full description oflike features will largely be omitted.

The pet carrying backpack 20 is formed of a backpack body 200 thatdefines an internal compartment in which a pet may be carried. Like thebackpack 10, the backpack 20 has a front panel 203 which may beseparated via a zipper 238 to facilitate ingress and egress of a petinto the internal compartment.

In this embodiment, the side panels 205, 207 are comprised mainly from awebbed material. For example, the webbed material may be formed from apolymer thread which is coated with a silicone coating. The webbedmaterial allows for largely unobstructed airflow into the interior ofthe backpack 20 help keep a pet riding therein cool. Side pockets 280may be provided over the side panels 205, 207 to hold water bottles,sport drinks, or the like. The side pockets 280 may have a mesh portion282 so that the pockets also allow airflow through to webbed material,and then to the interior. That is, the mesh material 282 of the pocketsat least partially overlaps the webbed side panels 205, 207 to provideventilation along a substantial length of the side panels 205, 207.

The backpack 20 also facilitates an adjustable platform 250 toaccommodate pets of different sizes. The platform 250 at a bottom of aninternal compartment is adjusted via zippers 252 and 254. By unzippingthe zippers 252, 254, the platform may be lowered, increasing the sizeof the internal compartment. FIG. 12B shows the backpack 20 with theplatform in a lowest position. With the zippers 252, 254 unzipped, extramaterial 256 can expand, lowering the platform 250 and increasing thesize of the internal compartment. By using the two zippers 252, 254, theplatform may be adjusted from a highest position, as shown in FIG. 12A,to a lowest position, as shown in FIG. 12B, to an intermediate positionwhere only one of the two zippers 252, 254 is unzipped.

To provide added storage, the backpack 20 may include a lowercompartment 290 accessed via a zippered opening 292 (FIG. 12A). Thisallows the user to store other items while carrying the pet. The lowercompartment 290 is spaced sufficiently from the platform 250 so that theplatform 250 has room to lower down to the lowest position (FIG. 12B).

The backpack 20 may comprise an internal frame to support the backpack20. For example, an aluminum beam may extend vertically through theinterior of the backpack to provide rigidity. One or more interiorplastic panel may extend from the beam to frame the front of thebackpack 20. Similarly, as explained above, the platform 250 maycomprise a pad and a plastic frame member providing a stable and rigidplatform for the pet within the backpack 20. The frame materials mayinclude materials other than the aluminum and plastic described herein.The frame materials are configured to be lightweight, durable, andwaterproof to facilitate ease of use of the backpack 20.

FIG. 13 shows a front view of an upper portion of a pet carryingbackpack, according to an exemplary embodiment. Like the backpack 10,the backpack 20 includes paw holes 248 in a top portion 204 so that thepet can extend its paws through the bag for a comfortable ride. The pawholes 248 are reinforced with neoprene or polychloroprene to provideresilience to the paw holes 248 and to increase the comfort of the pet.

FIG. 14 shows a back view of an upper portion of a pet carryingbackpack, according to an exemplary embodiment. Here, the paw holes 248reinforced by neoprene 249 are again shown. Further, the top portion 204includes a stretchable band or collar 253 at the top end of the topportion 204. This collar 253 surrounds the pet's neck or upper body tokeep the pet within the internal compartment. A strap 255 and clip 257(FIG. 12A) is used to tighten and loosen the collar 253. The top portion204 and collar 253 may also include a stretchable portion 261 thatfurther aids in the breathability and formability of the collar 253around the pet's neck or upper body. A d-ring 294 is also provided whichcan attach to a pet's collar to keep the pet from jumping out of thebag.

FIG. 15 shows a pet carrying backpack with a clip-on bag, according toan exemplary embodiment. A backpack 30 is similar to the backpacks 20and 10 in many aspects, and thus a detailed explanation of similarfeatures is omitted here for brevity. For example, the backpack 30includes a body 300 defining an internal compartment in which a pet maybe carried, and a collar 353 at the top with an adjustable strap 355 tofit around a pet's neck or upper body.

The backpack 30 further comprises a clip-on bag 400. The clip-on bag 400includes various compartments as are typically provided in various bags.FIG. 16 shows a side view of a pet carrying backpack, according to anexemplary embodiment. Here, clips 340 are disposed on the side panel 307(and on the opposite side panel) to which the clip-on bag 400 attaches.The clips may be adjustable to tighten or loosen the fit between thebackpack 30 and the clip-on bag 400. Similar to backpack 20, thebackpack 30 comprises a webbed side panel 307 and mesh pocket 380. Thewebbed side panel extends from the top portion 304 to the bottom panel306 providing ventilation substantially throughout the side panel 307. Asimilar side panel is on the opposite side, though not shown in thisfigure.

FIG. 17 is a front view of a pet carrying backpack, according to oneexemplary embodiment. The backpack 30 further comprises adjustablecontouring clips 396. The clips 396 attach to contouring straps 398 thatextend across the front zipper 338 to adjust the size of the backpack 30to fit and contour the backpack 30 around various sized pets.

In some embodiments, the backpack 30 may include one or more elongatedretainer surfaces 399 on which accessories may be placed and held by afastening medium included on the surfaces 399. For example, the retainersurface 399 may include hook or loop, and a corresponding accessory mayinclude loop or hook (a compatible fastening surface) so that theaccessory can be fastened and securely retained. Example accessoriescould include patches, labels, lights, or other items.

While various embodiments of the invention have been described, it willbe apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that many moreembodiments and implementations are possible that are within the scopeof this invention. In addition, the various features, elements, andembodiments described herein may be claimed or combined in anycombination or arrangement.

What is claimed is:
 1. A pet carrying backpack comprising: a backpackbody comprising an interior compartment configured to support a pettherein; shoulder straps disposed on and extending from the backpackbody; at least one opening in the backpack body disposed above theshoulder straps, the at least one opening being configured toaccommodate a paw or a leg of the pet; and one or more contouring strapsdisposed on the backpack body that are configured to shape the interiorcompartment of the backpack.
 2. The pet carrying backpack of claim 1,wherein the backpack body comprises a bottom panel, a front panel, arear panel, a right-side panel, and a left-side panel that collectivelydefine the interior compartment, and wherein the at least on openingcomprises a pair of paw holes that are disposed on the front panel abovethe shoulder straps.
 3. The pet carrying backpack of claim 2, wherein apet carrying platform is disposed on or within the bottom panel.
 4. Thepet carrying backpack of claim 2, wherein the at least one contouringstrap is disposed on at least one or more of the back panel, theleft-side panel, and the right-side panel.
 5. The pet carrying backpackof claim 2, wherein the right-side panel and the left-side panelcomprise vents to facilitate airflow within the interior compartment. 6.The pet carrying backpack of claim 5, wherein the vents comprise awebbed material.
 7. The pet carrying backpack of claim 5, wherein thevents extend from a top portion of the backpack body to the bottompanel.
 8. The pet carrying backpack of claim 7, further comprisingpockets that at least partially overlap the vents, the pockets being atleast partially formed from a mesh material.
 9. The pet carryingbackpack of claim 2, wherein the shoulder straps are disposed on andextend from the front panel of the backpack body, and the pet carryingbackpack further comprises a vertical zipper disposed on the rear panelof the backpack body, the vertical zipper facilitating ingress andegress to and from the interior compartment.
 10. The pet carryingbackpack of claim 9, wherein a first contouring strap of the one or morecontouring straps is disposed on the backpack body to cross over thevertical zipper.
 11. The pet carrying backpack of claim 10, wherein thefirst contouring strap is oriented substantially perpendicular to thevertical zipper.
 12. The pet carrying backpack of claim 2 wherein edgesof the paw holes are lined with a resilient liner comprising neoprene orpolychloroprene.
 13. The pet carrying backpack of claim 1, furthercomprising a vertical zipper disposed on the backpack body, the verticalzipper facilitating ingress and egress to and from the interiorcompartment.
 14. The pet carrying backpack of claim 13, wherein a firstcontouring strap of the one or more contouring straps is disposed on thebackpack body to cross over the vertical zipper.
 15. The pet carryingbackpack of claim 14, wherein the first contouring strap is orientedsubstantially perpendicular to the vertical zipper.
 16. The pet carryingbackpack of claim 1, further comprising a collar forming a top openingin a top portion of the backpack body, the collar being configured toallow a head of the pet supported in the interior compartment toprotrude therethrough; wherein the collar comprises an adjustable strapand a stretchable portion.
 17. The pet carrying backpack of claim 1,further comprising an attachment ring disposed in the interiorcompartment, the attachment ring being configured to attach to a petcollar of the pet supported in the interior compartment.
 18. The petcarrying backpack of claim 1, further comprising clips attached to thebackpack body and a clip-on bag that is selectively attachable to anddetachable from the backpack body via the clips.
 19. A pet carryingbackpack comprising: a backpack body comprising an interior compartmentconfigured to support a pet therein; a collar forming a first opening ina top portion of the backpack body, the collar being configured to allowa head of the pet supported in the interior compartment to protrudetherethrough; shoulder straps disposed on and extending from thebackpack body; at least one second opening in the backpack body toaccommodate a paw or leg of the pet, the at least one second openingbeing disposed above the shoulder straps and below the collar; and oneor more contouring straps disposed on the backpack body that areconfigured to shape the interior compartment of the backpack.
 20. A petcarrying backpack comprising: a backpack body comprising an interiorcompartment configured to support a pet therein; shoulder strapsdisposed on and extending from a front the backpack body; at least oneopening configured to accommodate a paw or a leg of the pet such thatthe pet is oriented in the backpack body to face towards the front ofthe backpack body, and such that the paw or leg of the pet can rest onan upper back or shoulder of a user; a zipper disposed on a back of thebackpack, the zipper facilitating ingress and egress of the pet to andfrom the interior compartment; and one or more straps disposed on thebackpack body that are configured to cross over the zipper.